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Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, emerging from the left ventricle, which pumps blood through the aorta to your head, chest, abdomen, arms, and legs. The aorta may enlarge due to increased blood pressure, genetic and other factors. Through the use of ultrasound, an imaging technique which uses sound waves, the diameter of the aorta can be easily measured.

Benefits

This is a tried and tested method for identifying if you have an enlarged aorta.

Procedure

Using an ultrasound imaging technique, the diameter of the aorta is measured. The aorta may be larger in diameter than initially becoming slightly larger than normal (ectasia), and eventually forming an aneurysm, which is a larger localised swelling that may burst, or rupture. As it travels through the abdomen, the aorta is normally 2 cm or less in diameter. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is diagnosed if the diameter is greater than 3 cm, or more than 50% larger than the normal diameter. Aneurysms usually cause no symptoms until they rupture, so early detection is important. Through the use of ultrasound, an imaging technique which uses sound waves, the diameter of the aorta can be easily measured. If an enlargement is found, it may be followed over time, or may require assessment by a vascular medical consultant or surgeon. Also, medication to lower your blood pressure to the normal level or slightly lower may be needed.

If you have any questions please let us know at any point and we will help you find the answer you need.

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